Karnataka HC Directs Police To Protect 24 Sugarcane Growers During Harvest And Transport To Factory

The petitioners, cane growers in Haveri District, sought directions for police protection for themselves, their sugarcane, labourers and vehicles during harvesting and transportation to Respondent No. 7’s factory.

They relied on representations dated 29 and 30 October 2026 and also sought regular police patrolling, compliance with a Government Order dated 15 September 2026, and a direction requiring the factory to receive their sugarcane.

At the preliminary hearing, the Advocate General, on the State’s behalf, undertook to ensure necessary protection and safeguards.

Petitioners’ counsel agreed to provide details of those involved in harvesting and transportation.

The petition invoked the High Court’s jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution and sought, among other reliefs, mandamus against State authorities.

The Court did not discuss any particular statutory provision, precedent, or substantive legal test.

The operative basis for its order was the State’s undertaking to provide necessary protection and safeguards, together with the petitioners’ obligation to supply relevant details and cooperate with law-enforcement agencies.

In light of the State’s undertaking, the Court directed Respondents Nos. 3 to 6 to provide the petitioners with necessary, adequate and sufficient protection and safeguards.

It balanced that direction by requiring the petitioners to furnish the Superintendent of Police, Haveri, with details of the persons involved in harvesting and transporting the cane, and to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies.

The Court expressly declined to examine the other aspects of the matter.

The petitioners were directed to provide the relevant personnel details and cooperate with the authorities.

The petition was disposed of without determination of the remaining reliefs or other aspects of the case.